INTOVA MARINE GRADE X2 

THE NEW UNDERWATER ACTION CAM

In 2016 Intova has launched a new camera that really allows to capture all our adventures in a different way thanks to a new exciting features. Compact design, rubber armor coating and upgraded LCD screen are some of the main characteristics of this underwater action cam but the one that distinguishes it from the others, as it is the only camera in the world to have it, is a built-in photoflash and video light.

Let’s go through then all the features in detail!

This camera is waterproof up to 100mt (330ft) and can take both pictures and videos. As previous models from intova it can also take pictures while recording videos (picture in video setting). The highest resolution for videos is 1080p 60fps (but there is plenty of other settings to choose from) while the highest resolutions for stills is 16MP(and also in this case there are many other settings). It is equipped with a 2.3” CMOS sensor and a 2” TFT LCD  monitor with a 960x240 resolution, the whole camera weights 197gr (7oz) and it is characterized by a very compact design 8 cm x 7 cm x 5 cm (3.15″ x 2.76″ x 1.97″).

As we mentioned above, the top feature of the Marine Grade X2 is its built-in photoflash and 150 lumen video light. It can in fact be used, by activating the proper option in the menu, to record videos or take pictures in low-light environments like underwater caves, for example.

As it can be inferred by its name, the marine grade was born specifically for underwater use so besides the built in light it has other incredible features that make it the best choice for diving. Through its straightforward and stress free menu you can set the camera according to the depth of use. The camera will actually add a different grade of red to recording, according to the depth set (check the video test) in order to get always the most realistic colours. You can choose -10, -20, -30, over -30. 

It has 170° wide angle lens but thanks to another great setting (FOV in the video menu) the field of view can be narrowed (check the video test).

The marine grade X” is not equipped with a remote control but thanks to the a free download app it can be fully controlled through our smartphone/iphone (check the video test). In opposition to what happens with other cameras from other manufacturers, the smartphone/iphone app really allows to control all features. User can in fact change mode and settings of each mode. He can also choose the files to playback or delete. It is the best choice to share videos/stills on socials.

Now that we have been through the main features of the action cam, let’s see how efficiently they can be used while spearfishing.

First of all, being the wide angle 170°, it is not really the best for spearo as fishes will look very distant but fortunately the FOV setting solve the problem and make this camera useful for both our underwater adventures and our everyday life.

The video effect that applies a red filter is something you can do without but it will work properly only when you reach the bottom at each dive, in fact when surfacing right before to dive the video will result deep red. Obviously such a setting was aimed to tanks divers.

The 150 lumen built in led light is useful when we are about to shoot a grouper in a dark cave, for example, to keep the subject always illuminated and avoid aiming the supergun to some point in the darkness and then waiting for the fish to be extracted from the cave to see it.

The only negative point is represented by the duration of the battery. As it is stated in the manual it lasts up to 2h and obviously if we keep the led light in use when we record videos the battery life will be even shorter. This implies we need to consider a back-up plan because we won’t have an operating camera up to the end of our spearfishing adventure so we need to activate all those energy saving settings available in the menu as the screen switch off timer.

Today spearos are very “social” so having a camera that through an app allows user to instantly share pictures and videos is very useful.

The camera has many other features that make it very useful for spearfishing like the video rotation. If for any reason we need to mount it upside down on our speargun it will rotate 180° the shooting so that the video will always have the right orientation.

It has both the photo burst and self capture options that can be customized and allow the spearo to take the usual selfies with the prey just caught.

As we mentioned above it has many resolution settings for videos and it can record up to 120 fps, that is very useful to test new spearguns and see the trajectory of the shaft.

The camera itself doesn’t float, so fix it properly on the stirrup. The rubber armor coating really makes its job in preserving the case from scratches. The buttons are all easy to operate and  provide full controls of menu.

The overall opinion about the camera performance and how it fits to spearfishing practice is excellent. The great quality of the images is undeniable, what a pity that the battery doesn’t last any longer, however in comparison to other action cameras (that have a screen) the duration is in the same range. 

CAMERA FULL USER MANUAL